I took a bunch of photos of this while I was there. I seem to remember alot of interest in the Super Guppy awhile back so I thought maybe you'd like to see this. I doubt it will ever fly again. The rear is hinged to open the tail section so they could transport one of there Sky Crane helicopter to local.

I have a lot of pics from the last time I was there too but posting them would be redundant as Radunes were great. The one thing I noticed and was quite pleased to see is how they created access through the rear of the plane. It looks like nothing was cut or hacked but rather disconnected or disassembled. The idea of hacking airframes for the purpose of static display has always bothered me. If the money was available, the airframe looks like it could be put back in the air. The Guardian we are putting into static condition is following the idea that we do NOT do ANYTHING that would prevent a flying restoration at a later time. Unfortunately for us, the parts we need will probably never become available as Jimmy Leeward had purchased the parts cache from Aero Union before his demise. We had some conversations regarding purchasing some parts beforehand but i think that may be out of the question now. Sorry to wander off but I love seeing nicely done static birds as well as the flyers, particularly if you can go inside the biggies

_________________The more I learn about aircraft, the more I realize I still have to learn.

Unfortunately for us, the parts we need will probably never become available...

That's a real bummer to think about as it would be simply awesome to see the Guardian back where she belongs. I'd still like to come take those detail shots of the bird one of these days Chris. I'd love to build a large flying model of the old girl eventually. What about Leeward's bird? Does the family still own it or did that one end up at Pensacola?

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